"I just want to keep bringing the championship back to Hampton Roads because we deserve it. We're the best franchise in this league by far, and everybody out there with a brain knows it. But the reason we're the best is because of our fans, they are truly special. I've coached at the highest levels of the National Hockey League and I'll tell you right now, nothing and no place compares to these people that come out and support our team both at home and on the road. We couldn't have accomplished a thing without them and for as long as I live, I'll be forever grateful to them for all of their wonderful and unconditional support."
-John Brophy, Head Coach of the Admirals
Former Toronto Maple Leafs head coach John Brophy was hired by Admirals owner Blake Cullen to coach the team in their innagural season in Norfolk, (1989-90). Early in his coaching career, Brophy coached the American Hockey League's Nova Scotia Voyageurs from 1982 to 1984 and was later hired to coach the Toronto Maple Leafs. Brophy brief stint as head coach of the Maple Leafs ended in 1989, when he was fired after only 3 years behind the Toronto bench and later joined the Admirals, whom he has guided to three league titles and became just the second hockey coach to rack up 800 professional wins, joining current Detroit Red Wings coach Scotty Bowman.
Brophy responded brilliantly to the new challenge. Using his NHL connections, Brophy successfully secured affiliations with the Detroit Red Wings and Washington Capitals. His Admirals subsequently became one of the most determined, disciplined, and most victorious minor league clubs of all time. Brophy's winning resume in Hampton Roads includes: 3 ECHL Championships, (2 Riley Cups, 1 Kelly Cups) the all-time league leadeing marks in regular season and playoff wins, playoff series's won, and 9 playoff appearances in 11 years in the league. The only other ECHL team to win more than one cup is the Toledo Storm. In addition, Brophy has been instrumental from day one in the Admirals enormous marketing and attendence success. Before the end of their second season of existence, over 2,000,000 Admirals fans had passed threw the turnstiles at the Scope Arena. "Winning here is expected, no questions asked," said Brophy. Under his guidance, 16 Admirals players have advanced to the NHL and played at least one game in the regular season or the Stanley Cup playoffs. No other ECHL team has been able to top that number thus far. Brophy also established one of the most aggresive, hard nosed organizations in the league, earning the Admirals a notorious on-ice reputation, which sent a message to opponents around the league. When you play against Brophy's Admirals, prepare to face the consequences. Brophy's 1997 Admirals squad recorded a grand total of 46 regular season wins, a franchise record. More impressive than that was the fact that every single Admiral, with the exception of Player/Coach Rod Taylor, was under an NHL, AHL, or IHL contract, or had previous played in the AHL or IHL that same season.
Personal Life
Brophy is married to Nancy White, a former LPGA touring pro who is the head professional at the Ivy Hill Golf Club in Forest, Va. |
